Back2Basics - since I workout in the morning I have a protein bar 30 minutes prior to my workout. It gives me energy through my workout and is also good for you pertaining to eating something satisfying...since starting this about 2 weeks ago, I find no need to drink coffee or an energy drink. Also...ICE COLD water works as a quick fix. Like when I roll out of bed, before I do anything else I drink a big cup of ice cold water...it alerts me.

Very cool on joining the challenge. You have to give us your "official" weigh in weight (as of right now, not from when you started your diet) and I will add it to my spreadsheet. Also, we were all talking about doing before and after photos. I am taking mine today...IN MY 2 PIECE BATHING SUIT-god, help us all. lol

Ok..going to lunch. Im having leftover chicken kabobs, yummy.

Morning, girls!
Welcome back, basics! All we need right now for the challenge is an initial weigh-in for Lindy's tracking sheet. It's based on percentage of weight lost between now and 11/1, just to give us some extra motivation before the craziness of the holidays.

AJ - welcome! Nice to have another Denverite around : )

maddiesmom - so sorry to hear about your friend's husband. Is there anyone else from your area that might be going to the funeral as well that you could carpool with? Something my aunt just did when there was a death in the family was not go to the funeral itself (the timing didn't work for her) but go visit a few weeks later and take the family out to lunch, kind of as a distraction. Not sure if something like that appeals to you. Whatever you do, I'm sure it will be much appreciated.

Lindy - you are doing great! WTG!

Did okay on eating yesterday (1400 cals) and it was a rest day to recover from the big hike on Sunday. Plan on doing the same foodwise today and have an afternoon walk planned with a friend. The out-of-nowhere 2 lbs have disappeared and I'm back to 178 but am getting super anxious to make some progress!!! I've been at this weight (or mysteriously fluctuating above it) for over a week now and have been exercising a good amount and have been keeping the calories between 1200 and 1600 with the exception of last monday which was something like 2200. You would think that would work - especially since it's what I've been doing so far to lose the first 20. Craziness. I'm very open to suggestions if you have any and just started taking some fiber chewable pills for weight mgmt. We'll see if that helps somehow...

Hope all are doing well!

Lindy - just saw your post. I guess I better take my before picture. You're braver than I am - I think I'll go with running shorts and sports bra : )

Basics - I've heard such good things about the health benefits of green tea that I'm trying to have a cup of it each morning. Might be worth a shot...

I am on slim4life which is like a local LA weightloss. I have modified it a little bit to be more personalized as I learned to do on 3FC!

My long term goal is 135- but my mini goal is 155. I kept all of my old clothes so more than anything, my goal is to fit back into my old clothes (jeans in particular). I am not sure what weight I was years ago so I just try them on to see my progress =)

I have no kids yet. I am getting ready to celebrate our 1 year anneversary with my hubby. We want kids but we don't think we will start trying for another year or so. I know... I am trying to lose weight before gettting pregnant? weird but I want to be healthier.

I would love to join the challenge. What are the details? or what page are they on so that I can catch up??

Thank you guys so much! Can't wait to read more about you.
AJ

Wow, what the heck happened? I didn't come on here after yesterday morning and the board went nuts! I had to go back four pages to catch-up! Awesome! Welcome back backtobasics! We have missed you, but are so glad you are back involved. We we loved to have you join our challenge. It started 8/1 with a weigh-in and confirmation that each of us would give $10 Amazon gift card to the winner on 11/1. As Dance said, it is based on the percentage of weight loss body fat. Here is the list, just had yours to it and Lindy can add it to her spread sheet.

Welcome AJ, you to are welcome to join if you want to be a part of this challenge, or the next one we will do after the holidays.

LuckyLindy 186
Maddiesmom 247
Mygrits 219
Danceindenver 178
Burgundyrain 222
Tiff 292.2
BacktoBasics

Maddie I am so sorry for your friends loss, that is very difficult especially with three small children. I now live by the rule to never have regrets. I feel if your heart is pulling for to be there for yourself and your friend, you should atend the funeral. I would hate for you not to go and then regret not being there for your friend. I didn't attend two ceremonies the last 7 years and do regret not being there. I feel I let myself down, my friend and some family memories. The worst part is I can change it now, what is done is done.

Ok, yesterday sucked! My husband cooked and cooked and cooked. He is an enabler!!! He sabotaged me!! LOL....I love him dearly, but enough already with the rich, fattening food! All I could think of while I am feeding my face is Lindy working out and swimming laps. LOL....complete torture. So, I ate and went to bed miserable, and once again overslept missing my early morning workout. I then decided to punish myself because it was my own fault I overate, and didn't get up early enough to beat the heat to workout. My punishment, to go out anyway at 10:30am with the heat and hot sun, and workout anyway. Oh my gosh, did I pay for my actions, it was like death valley, but I did it. When I got back after 2 miles my neighbor saw me, came out side yelling, "Are you crazy?" and then said, "Your nuts, you better take your phone next time, because if you drop from the heat you can call for help!" I laughed my *** off, and told her I would call her! LOL........

Ok Miss Lindy I will NOT take my picture in a 2-piece, but did take it yesterday (after all the food) in my exercise shorts. I will load them later today. Oh, and by the way, I want to see this pic of Mr. Sweet 16!

Hey girls!!!! I've missed you. I'm in for the challenge! It would be perfect for me! I weighed myself today.. the first time in a month! I am at 216 . Ugh. I thought it was going to be worse though. I'm really feeling it. Anyway. I am super lonely. I dropped my husband off this morning. I figure the only way I am going to make it through this is if I stay busy and have a goal to focus on. Losing weight will definitely keep my mind off of other stressful things. Going to the gym will keep me busy. Also, I'm going to work more. More money, less weight!!! I'm sad but excited at the same time. I can't wait to see my husband next and be 190 or below! hopefully=)

Lindy- What brand of protein bar are you eating? And good idea of cold water to wake me up.

Dance- thanks for the welcome!

AJ- welcome to the group-- and congrats on your progress.

Mygrits-- thanks for the welcome back-- is great to be back!

Neesy- Nice to see you... Awwww, (hugs) you can do this girl-- you were one of my best motivators!!! By the way, thank you to your hubby for our freedom... we're here to support you too I'm adding your info into the challenge for Lindy to add us on! (I like your short term goal chart-- I need to do that for this challenge too)

I weighed myself last night just before I posted, so that will be my starting point, here's my info added in:
LuckyLindy 186
Maddiesmom 247
Mygrits 219
Danceindenver 178
Burgundyrain 222
Tiff 292.2
BacktoBasics 263
Neesy 216



It would be neat to see how much we can all lose as a group...what can we do girls 200 pounds total?? I'll put it out there that I WILL lose 40 pounds by November 1st!

Hey girls! Are we getting close to the maximum thread length? If they do shut us down at some point, let's call the next one Weight Loss Buddies III so it's easy to find!

Neesy - It must be tough without your hubby but I can't imagine anything that would make a better distraction or be more motivating than losing weight and getting in shape before he gets home. Tell us more about what your plan is - I'd love to hear about it.

mygrits - Now you've got me worrying about you, exercising in that crazy heat! Don't you get lightheaded? I think carrying your phone is not a bad idea. That an a frozen bottle of water : ) So, tell us a little bit more about how it works in your house with what you have for meals. Is your husband supportive of your weight loss efforts? I can't remember if you've talked about it before, but would he be willing to choose more diet-friendly foods (maybe sauces on the side kind of thing) to help you be more successful? I don't think I'd have the will power to stick to plan if someone was downing a bag of salty crunchy things right next to me.

AJ - So glad you're here with us! Can you tell us a little bit more about slim4life? Is it calorie counting based? Is there an exercise component? If not, do you have your own exercise plan?

Heading off to lunch but much less hungry than usual - maybe it's that fiber pill : )

Mygrits - lol, you are so funny! But I think your neighbor might be right about the cell phone thing, I know oh too well living here in Florida that we are in a serious heat wave. Next time you eat at night...yes, please do think about me. Hmmmm...pic of Mr. Sweet 16, I really dont have any yet since we've only been on one date and he lives so far. Were planning on meeting in a couple weeks, maybe I can squeeze in a pic then and show you, although Im pretty sure he'll question me if I ask him to lift his shirt, lol.

Neesy - awww....Im sorry sweetie, I know its going to be hard with your hubby gone. We'll get you through this and who knows...if you win the challenge maybe you can get a killer outfit for him to see you in (or other unmentionables..heehee, lol). Anyway...get your butt to the gym! Start planning your meals, especially with the extra shifts at work because that has been your challenge in the past.

Today, I am doing AWESOME, day 2 of a SUPER STRICT lifestyle change (I will not say diet). I was going to try and do laps at the pool tonight but it looks like we have a storm rolling in. Oh well, Ill play it by ear. The past few nights we have had storms but not thunderstorms, I was actually debating a run in the rain, I think it would be very invigorating. A little crazy...but invigorating.

Ok...Ill check in later. My daughter is hopefully coming home this weekend so I can hardly wait.

Woo-hoo, Lindy - you're doing great! I love running in the rain (not in lightning). You stay much cooler.

Back2Basics - you go, girl! Wow - 40lbs in 3 months is aggressive - can't wait to see you do it!

Dance- thanks, I'm looking forward to being aggressive about it!

With that said, there's no way on God's green earth I'm taking a picture in a 2 piece...but, I will take a full length before photo in a tight shirt and bottoms and keep the same outfit for the after shot.

I am completely in!
ajowens 166 (on Saturday)
LuckyLindy 186
Maddiesmom 247
Mygrits 219
Danceindenver 178
Burgundyrain 222
Tiff 292.2
BacktoBasics 263
Neesy 216

dancerindenver- Hey there local =) Its a plan that includes 2 protien, 2 fruits, 4 veggies, 2 starches and two snacks. Its about 1300 Caolories on an average day but I still count calories on Myplate.com. And they do not concentrate on excersize but I am so my August challenge is to walk 30-60 minutes a day+. I have done pretty well four days in. lol. I live on city park so I have great areas to walk.

Back2Basics & mygritsconfessions- Thank you so much! I am excited to be in on it!


I got great news today. I did my measurements and I lost 3 inches in my chest, 4 inches in my waist, 2 in my hips and 2 in my arms in 3 weeks. I think it is just as much the excersize as it is the dieting but I really know I am getting somewhere! Thats almost a foot of me GONE!



Mini Goal: 155 by Sept 1st
Mini Goal: 147 by October 1st
Bigger Goal: 140 by Thanks giving!!

double post. Sorry.

Busy board!! That's awesome though. I wanted to ensure that I found some time to log in today. I have to make it!!

Dance - the hiking group - awesome idea. When I do the nasty grind I find a person that I need to keep up to - usually someone a lot like me. It keeps me going. I feel kind of bad about using someone I don't know to compete, but hey it works and I am sure someone is using me!

Lindy - love your profile pic you are looking GORGEOUS! What is 30DD's? That is the size of my 'girls' so I was just wondering

Tiff - good to see you again!!!

Vicky - sorry to hear that - hugs!!!

I worked out good last night even though I didn't want to. I am sore today - my biceps or other known as my 'pipes' - yeah that is a joke! I didn't work out this morning but will tonight. I have lots of aggression to get out from work and so I think working out at night might be better - for now.

My plan for now is just eat under 1500 a day, work out and stop stressing so much about work. The latter will be hard, I don't know how I am going to do it but I have this little feeling that the better I work out and eat, the better I will deal with a lot of things - including work!

Today I had special K, fruit, tuna pita - I have almonds, cottage cheese and some veggies for later

I hope to check in later and hope all of your gorgeous gals are doing awesome! For everyone I didn't say hi to - catch ya next round - gotta run to another bad *** meeting

Can I still join in the challenge??

S

Wow, it's hard to keep up in here the last two days! Hey Neesy! I have missed seeing you on here , but totally understand with your husband leaving.

Somebody is going to get a bundle of prize $ to shop with!! We are up to $90.00!! Woo Hoo!!

ajowens 166 (on Saturday)
LuckyLindy 186
Maddiesmom 247
Mygrits 219
Danceindenver 178
Burgundyrain 222
Tiff 292.2
BacktoBasics 263
Neesy 216

You girls are right about execising in the heatwave, but I was soooo ticked at myself for being a porky pig yesterday and then on top of it not getting up this morning. So, yes I am pooped from this morning, but hey I am back on track! Dance, my husband is an awesome man, however, he loves to cook Southern and fattening. Now, I love Southern, but I am so not into the heavy fats, processed foods and all, which he has a hard time grasping. He has tried, but even when he thinks he is doing better, it is still stuff I shouldn't have. He has cooked one way for so long, it is just difficult for him to change. However, he does need to change because he has put on alot of weight the last couple of years, has Sleep Apnea, and now High Blood Pressure. This all scares me to death, because I can't imagine something happening to him . Yes, I have talked till I'm blue in the face....literally....and he says he will handle it, but the little changes he makes isn't enough. He can't seem to break some old habits of fast foods and processed garbage - all high in sodium. Oh, yes, and he was a Navy Seal - need I add stupborn!

So, today I haven't eaten much, maybe because I am still full from yesterday...LOL... My calories are right at 280. I had tuna on open face flat bread with tomato and lettuce. I am getting ready to go eat again though........but not much!